Divided We Stand

Division Bell #3

by Rachel McLean

Britain is a country under surveillance. Neighbours spy on neighbours. Schools enforce loyalty to the state. And children are encouraged to inform on their parents.

Disgraced MP Jennifer Sinclair has earned her freedom but returns home to find everything changed.

Rita Gurumurthy has been sent to a high security prison. When a sympathetic guard helps her escape she becomes a fugitive, forced to go into hiding.

To reunite her family and win freedom for her son and her friend, Jennifer must challenge her old colleague and rival, the new Prime Minister Catherine Moore.

Will Catherine listen to reason and remove the country from its yoke of fear and suspicion? Or will Jennifer have to reveal the secret only she knows about Catherine, and risk plunging the country into turmoil?

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2018

About the author

My name's Rachel McLean and I write stories you can't put down, with characters you'll be rooting for.

I'm best known for my Dorset Crime series, which has sold over a million copies. The first book in that series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award.

Here's what Clare Balding (the lead judge) had to say about the book:

'I particularly enjoyed the detail of the landscape and the humorous oddities of Dorset life. I enjoyed the richness of the characters, complexity of life for a working mother who is thrown into a new environment and has to prove herself, all over again.'

But The Corfe Castle Murders is by no means my only book. I've published five series and am working on two new ones, all of which connect. You'll find characters from each series in one or more of the other ones, so you (and I) get to follow them as they take on new challenges.

For example:

DCI Lesley Clarke is Zoe's boss in the DI Zoe Finch series and then moves to Dorset where she becomes the star of the Dorset Crime series.
DS Mo Uddin is Zoe's best friend and sidekick, then moves to Scotland for the McBride & Tanner series.
DC Tina Abbott is a key character in the Dorset Crime series and plays an important role in the new Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club series of mysteries which stars her mum, Annie.
Zaf Williams starts off in the DI Zoe Finch series then moves to London and is one of the stars of the London Cosy Mysteries series (along with his colleague Diana and Gus the cat).
Dr Petra McBride appears in no fewer than three series and I'm planning a new series for her in 2026.
And not to be outdone, Zoe Finch has two series in which she stars: the DI Zoe Finch series of 'Deadly' books, and the Cumbria Crime series.
Once you get to know these characters, you'll find plenty of books to keep you entertained. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

You can read a full list of the series and books on my books page. Each series is designed to be read in order but which series you go for first is really up to you.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, me again review for the final in the trilogy ‘Divided We Stand’ and next up and back to one of my fav authors Shalini Boland and her recently re-issued book with Bookouture ‘The Best Friend’...
So, ex MP Jennifer is released from the ‘British Values Centre’ and this 3rd book follows what happens to her next, what happens to some of the people she met in the Centre and how the Country has changed under much more surveillance
This book, again!, started really well, the reunion with her husband and son and her trying to find out where her other son is, eventually this leads to her finding her son who has been sent to prison for mixing with terrorist sympathisers and is set to be deported....all this with a counsellor from the centre and an escaped ‘patient’ turning up at our house ( not sure how they both managed to stay there for days when the house was under constant surveillance but they did although in the end it was stated the authorities knew!!)
It all got a bit complex and at times unbelievable but was a good thriller of a book and the most exciting of the trilogy
The author this time was less personally political in her writing I felt, the Country though is still under a vast Islamaphobic cloud and this is continues to be the main warning in the book
The ending of the book had the story all sorted, and very quickly however there was no real conclusion to where the Country was re the terror threat and Islamaphobia and that surprised me, there was a definite conclusion to the main players and what their future would hold but not the underlying reason(s) for the books
7/10 3.5 Stars ( 4 on Amazon/GR)

# As a trilogy and box set I would give 7/10 3.5 Stars, and yes all in all I am glad read them #

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in The Division Bell Trilogy. This is also a trilogy that really should be read in order. The Trilogy itself is set a few years in the future and the government has been active in segregating people, turning them against each other. Racism is rife and sets people of all races against each other in a big brother, whistleblower style surveillance system. The author has created a series that is quite chilling in some of its realism.

Jennifer is a disgraced Mp, she has finally been released from the British Values Centre, a place where its “patients” are brainwashed into the correct and more acceptable way of thinking. For Jennifer however, there are those that are aware of corruption and the many miscarriages of justice and are willing to help.

The culmination of this trilogy shows a country that has been held by fear gradually coming to its own realisation. The initial herding mentality that has gone on has now passed and people are starting to make little steps towards making a stand. The fear that authorities can come into your home and remove what and who they want, whenever they want is realism that many feel and don’t like. It is this and the sense of mis-justice that drives people for a change. This final book is like a political game of chess or cat and mouse.

I have enjoyed all the books in this trilogy. I like the dystopian, Big Brother, Orwellian style to it. This trilogy worked well for me, and I think it was due to it only just being set in the future, we have Brexit as an ever-present theme in all media outlets, racism and segregation are things that do still happen, peoples values and ideals are changing. I think it is the present climate that adds to this book.

If you are reader who likes political, big brother style dystopia, or a reader of general fiction then this is a trilogy I would recommend.

[Chitra Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divided We Stand by Rachel McLean is the third and final book in the Division Bell trilogy, the previous two books of which I have already reviewed. After what happened in the first two books, I was eager to know how the story would end. And might I add, that it was a fitting end to a successful political thriller!

Summary

Jennifer Sinclair is returning home after her stint at the Values Centre. But as soon as she is out, she notices the detestation among the citizens for Muslims. When she is home, she makes sure her focus is on knowing Samir’s whereabouts and getting him out of there. Meanwhile, Rita is being moved to someplace else from the centre. She wonders if there are worse things in store for her.

Just when Jennifer believes she had a friend who can help her out, she is in for a rude shock. Amidst betrayals and many more police visits, she is pushed towards the edge. But she has to keep it all together for her son’s sake. But she also doesn’t want to let go so easily. Will Jennifer be successful? Will she ever be re-untied with her family once again?

Continue reading my review here:
https://goo.gl/QMpjUJ

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one best of all. I wish Jennifer's husband was featured a bit more. There was enough learned of him to make me want to know more. I actually found him to be the more interesting of the two characters. She was just incredibly naive throughout and rather pushy, not that either trait is all bad, but I didn't like all that much more in this book than I did in the beginning. What I can say for this trilogy is that it kept my attention - to the detriment of Thanksgiving dinner and sleep! Oops! It's been awhile since a book grabbed and kept my attention like these did.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in this series and a series that I thoroughly enjoyed .. after reading the first two I was eager to see how the author would finish this aeries and she didn’t disappoint.. fast paced , page turning with a ending with pleased . Looking forward to reading more from this author . My thanks to tbc reviewers for my opportunity to read

[Chris Tunnicliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third instalment about Jennifer Sinclair, a disgraced ex MP in the British government. Jennifer is now free from The British Values Centre she had been held in for rehabilitation. She now has to find her son Samir who is about to be deported as a terrorist. Another thrilling story that follows Jennifer as she agin attempts to bring down a government. This book shows how a society can change rapidly through fear and the unknown. A very good read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book to this series and having read the other 2 previous ones, I couldn't wait to see how the series ended. I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed the books, and look forward to reading more by the author in the future. This book was a complete thriller and a great read just like the others.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Division Bell trilogy is one of the highlights of my reading year in 2018; I loved the previous two books, A House Divided and Divide and Rule and have been desperately looking forward to finding out how the series ends. In order to fully appreciate the story arc across the trilogy, I would strongly recommend reading the books in order if you can.
Divided We Stand opens immediately after the events of the last book with Jennifer Sinclair released from the British Values Centre she had been held at after being accused of harbouring a suspected terrorist - her son, Samir. She has only been away from home for a few months but in that time everything has changed. It's been fascinating following Jennifer's story over the course of these books - from the assured and capable MP introduced in the first novel to the bewildered inmate of the political system to the more reflective and cautious yet no less determined woman she has become. She must come to terms with the massive change in her circumstances, not only politically but personally too. Her eldest son is still in prison and threatened with deportation but her youngest, Hassan is growing up fast and is doing so in an increasingly suspicious and Islamophobic country. Jennifer is desperate to keep her family safe but she also wants to help the other women she was locked up with. Her principled nature means she believes it is not too late for the country but with her political influence gone and her every move under surveillance, she may be risking everything once more. It's impossible not to admire her but there are times where despite everything she still seems hopelessly naive and I felt enormous sympathy for her husband, Yusuf who has endured many of the same fears as his wife whilst also being personally affected by a society that has become increasingly racist.
At the same time Jennifer is being released, her fellow 'patient', Rita Gurumurthy is being moved to a high security prison. Rita was one of my favourite characters in Divide and Rule so I was delighted to see her return in this book but after a terrible time in the centre, life is no less challenging for her here. There's a rather poignant moment early on where a police officer, Sonia treats her with kindness and dignity which means she hesitates when she has the chance to escape. However, she eventually chooses to run but soon begins to question whether she would have been safer in prison. Britain has become a frightening and oppressive place to live, cameras are everywhere, even pointing into houses and the people are angry, scared and mistrustful. Her situation seems absolutely desperate and I couldn't see how she was ever going to evade being captured again. I admired her belligerence in the previous book and this time her courage and resolve had me once again fervently hoping things would work out for this former primary school teacher who could never have expected to find herself in this situation
Divided We Stand is as frightening as the first two books and as before it's because the storyline is only too believable. Britain is already the most spied on country in the world and it doesn't take much of a leap to imagine a time where further terrorist atrocities could be used to persuade the public that the mass surveillance should be extended still further. The continuing harassment of Muslims, POC and immigrants has been encouraged and exacerbated by the dog-whistle statements by certain political figures and divisive rhetoric is already winning votes in Britain and around the world. Rachel McLean's dystopia is brilliant and terrifying because it's just so easy to foresee fiction becoming reality.
I was completely engrossed by the gripping and consistently tense plot throughout the book and my heart was in my mouth on several occasions as I raced through the pages, terrified for the characters whose lives I have become so invested in. I'm not going to mention too much about the ending to Divided We Stand so that I don't give away any spoilers but I will say that I've loved this trilogy and it was a bittersweet moment when I reached the last page. Divided We Stand is an engaging, intelligent political thriller and a superb way to round off this outstanding series.

[Julie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer has finally managed to get herself released from the British Values Centre and back to what is left of her family in the final part of this dystopian, political thriller but Britain is still in the grip of fear and suspicion and her son, Samir, threatened with deportation. It will take all her political manoeuvring to free him before it is too late. This is a trilogy that really needs to be read in order to understand it and get the most of it, but that is no hardship as it is so gripping, and this final instalment is no exception.

The story follows the three main women from Book Two, Jennifer, Meena and Rita, who have all managed to escape from the British Values Centre, but are still not safe in a country where everyone is under watch, the State has oppressive powers of arrest and neighbour informs on neighbour. They need to put behind them their past differences and work together against a political system which seems to have a stranglehold on the country, to secure a better future for them all.

After the incarceration drama of the last book, in this third instalment we are back to a tale of political machinations (sorry, I can’t let that phrase pass without a nod to Blackadder III: Dish and Dishonesty “One who has recently done sterling service, matching the political machinations of the evil Pitt. Good old Lord Baldrick!” Anyway, back to the review.) as Jennifer, now disgraced and without any parliamentary authority, has to take on her old friend, Catherine, who is now the Prime Minister and the person responsible to the current political climate of oppression. It is a battle of wits and power and had me gripped from start to finish. I don’t know whether this book was shorter than the others or it just felt that way as I raced through it but it was an exciting denouement.

Throughout, this trilogy has had an ominous ring of possibility about it, which has made it so thrilling and chilling at the same time. A dystopian vision that is not beyond the bounds of possibility and, on some bleak days, seems to be creeping slowly closer to becoming a reality. In these times of political upheaval and division in this country, these books are a sobering glimpse into what could be if we aren’t careful. I have not read any political fiction that I have found as gripping or well written since I read Michael Dobb’s House of Cards trilogy twenty years ago. I’ve enjoyed every minute of these books and can’t recommend them highly enough.

[L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit to being a huge fan of trilogies - and having read books 1 and 2 in this series, there was no way on the planet I was going to miss this one.

The story picks up with Jennifer Sinclair - former Birmingham MP and Cabinet Minister returning home to an empty house after having been arrested for sheltering her supposedly terrorist-inclined son and hiding him from the authorities. She returns to Brum to see citizens hostile to a young Muslim woman. Challenging them, she hears of another terrorist act having been committed in the city. Concern for her own family overwhelms her and she fears for their safety in this new extreme anti-Muslim world.

In her own street, curtains twitch as she arrives at her front door where a CCTV camera is now focused on her house.

Neighbours are wary of her, unwilling to be seen in public with her. So much has happened while she has been "indisposed" at the British Values Centre, and none of it for the good of the people.

The other main protagonist from book two - Rita Gurumurthy - is on her way to a new facility when a car accident gives her the chance to escape. But where can she go, and how long can she survive without being spotted and returned to the hell-hole that left her battered and bruised both physically and mentally?

The plight of the two women to tell their stories to the world without risking further harm continues.

Jennifer finally catches up with her husband and youngest son, Hassan, but there is still no news of Samir.

Rita sees her boyfriend taken from his home by police as she crawls her way into Worcester, starving, cold and scared to death.

Their diligence and courage to stand up to the new status quo is both heart-warming and troubling. Conflict and hostility surface at every opportunity; it seems there is no way for the truth to be told as a result of too many cover-ups, secrets and lies in the corridors of power.

This is another gripping thriller, highlighting the impact of how fear can turn neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend, and all in the name of power.

In all honesty, this story freaked me out somewhat due to the comparisons that can be drawn with our current political landscape. Scary, thought-provoking, gritty and almost voyeuristic in its potential reality.

Another winner!

[Jéssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you guy have been following my reviews, you know I don't like to give that many details when it comes to a series that are very connected, book after book, which is the case of this trilogy. And you also know I have been reading and reviewing all the books in this trilogy.

This was a journey that I enjoyed taking because it was scary real, it felt that way because of Rachel McLean's writing style. The power she gives to her words and to the characters was something I loved from book one. And reading this one was as an adrenaline rush and quite and intriguing finale book.

We still follow Jennifer Sinclair and we still get to uncover new secrets and new information. And this novel brings twists and turns, action, thrilling moments and that strong group of well written characters that keep develop with each book.

Speaking about the characters... As you have read in the blurb, Jennifer has earned her freedom and returns home. Of course, after everything that went on and after the long months away, the family dynamic is very different. That was something I like to read about because it was something I could relate too, since my dad had three years away working in another country and he could only be with us during the summer and Christmas time. So I know how hard things can be for a family. In this case, it was a harder context and the family had to deal with strong emotions and all the problems that came with the circumstances Jennifer was in.

Overall, I loved this all trilogy. I loved that it felt real, that it was thought provoking. And I loved that it talked about strong subjects and that exposes them to everyone in a brilliantly written novel. I totally recommend this book and all the ones in this trilogy if you like Political Thrillers.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel McLean for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I read the first two books in this trilogy, A House Divided and Divide and Rule, and I was looking forward to finding out what happens next to Jennifer Sinclair. She was just released from a British Values Centre and she has no idea what has happened in the past 4 months outside those walls. She returns home to find her oldest son still in prison, her youngest son afraid to talk to her, and her husband overloaded having to deal with everything that’s been going on.

Not only is Jennifer’s family in turmoil but things have fallen apart in the country. Everyone is being watched, especially Muslims and their friends and families. The schools are being segregated and her former friend Catherine Moore is Prime Minister! She reaches out to Catherine refusing to believe she has become an enemy, but her husband believes she is wrong.

Meena, Rita, and Mark from the British Values Centre all have challenges of their own. Will they all survive this turbulent time? Although Jennifer wants to find her son at the very least, will she be successful?

Rachel McLean’s writing flows well and the characters are well developed and complex. All three books are very good and they got progressively better. I definitely recommend this trilogy although beware…it’s scary to think that it could happen in these crazy times we live in.

[Asimah Akhtar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divided We Stand is the last in the series of the Division Bell series. I have read and enjoyed both of the first books in the series and couldn't wait to read the final instalment.

Jennifer Sinclair, the disgraced MP, is now a free woman who can't wait to return to her family and find out about the whereabouts of her elder son; Samir. However, what Jennifer doesn't know is that while she was locked up a lot of things have changed in the outside world. Cameras everywhere, neighbours against one another and people she once considered her friends have turned against her.

Rita Gurumurthry, introduced in the second book, a teacher who was locked up with Jennifer. Rita is now a fugitive when a prison officer helps her escape custody. Rita turns to the only person she feels she can rely on to help her, Jennifer.

Jennifer is released from the "British Values Centre" with a determination to put an end to these centres, as well as to help her son get released. Unfortunately, all Jennifer's ideas fall flat and she soon realises that no one is willing to help her. When Rita also turns to Jennifer for help, Jennifer feels useless because everything she tries to do doesn't seem to work.

Just like the first two reads in the series this was a very intense gripping thriller. These two women were going through very different troubles and had to help each other to get through it. These books highlight the importance of what fear can do to citizens, also how in turn this fear can turn into blame and hatred towards a certain group of people; in this case Muslims. As a Muslim, there was a few times when the books were difficult to read, because in certain cases the reality of how Muslims are treated by a small minority is all to real. However, I appreciate the author putting this across instead of sugarcoating it. Overall a five-star read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Division Bell Trilogy.  I would recommend reading this series in order as there are references to storyline from the previous books.  I’ve read the previous books which I have enjoyed and was looking forward to reading this final instalment to finish off the story.

Leading on from the previous book, we pick up the story of disgraced MP Jennifer Sinclair.  She has returned home to find out that everything she knew has changed and Britain is now a country under surveillance in every aspect of life.  We are also reintroduced to Rita Gurumurphy, a character that featured in the second book, Divide and Rule.

This final book gives us a scarily realistic snapshot into what our country could become, and just like the rest of the series, the plot is gripping, shocking and un-nerving.  I don’t want to delve too deeply into the plot of the story, particularly for those who have already read the previous two books, for fear of spoilers.  It is safe to say though that it kept me hooked from the very first page, and whilst it’s not an enjoyable book to read in the traditional sense, I found it highly enjoyable in the sense that it’s well written, very well researched and throws up enough questions to make you wonder whether you are reading a work of non-fiction as opposed to fiction.

It is an exhilarating political thriller that keeps you turning those pages until you have no more left to turn.  It’s thought-provoking and certainly makes you think about how much we as a country take for granted and also of the future of ourselves, our children and our country and the fear that our future will eventually end up like these books.

I’m sorry to see this series end as I’ve really enjoyed all three books.  I would definitely recommend them all and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for future books by this author.

[Kelly (purplebookstand) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divided We Stand

I love love love this series!!!
For those who don’t know, this is the final part in this trilogy and you do need to have read the first two to grasp the concept of what is going on. The anticipation of wanting to read this was so high, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to Jennifer and her situation.

As with the first two, McLean does a fabulous job of building tension and suspense; and in today’s political climate, you really can picture these events happening, which is really very scary. The intensity of the storylines within the book genuinely had me on the edge of my seat, you find yourself holding your breath as you turn the page in anticipation of what will come next. This is an engrossing and gritty read that you won’t be able to put down. McLean doesn’t disappoint at any point of the book and there are bits you really won’t see coming. All in all this is a fast paced and all consuming trilogy that you simply must read. Highly recommended five stars!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was a very well written political thriller. This is the final book in the trilogy and I had been waiting to get my hands on a copy of this one for a while as I needed to see how the story would end – and I was certainly not disappointed and the author has one happy reader over here!

The characters were good and well developed and I really enjoyed their interaction, it has been great throughout the series and I loved how this ended. The story was good and had plenty to keep me entertained too and the author wrapped everything up nicely.

5 stars from me for this one, it was a very enjoyable story and one that I am very highly recommending!!

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the conclusion of the Division Bell trilogy and it was brilliantly done. It was well-written, filled with tension, suspense and horror - the latter because it was like a mirror of today's British politics.

The plot was twisty with a great sense of place and the characters believable, though I did think that Jennifer was naive, if brave and wanting to do the right thing.

I would rather have freedom than safety, especially if it means that certain groups of people are used as scapegoats and sacrifices. It was reminiscent of Nazi Germany and those policies.

Thought-provoking and highly recommended.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really looked forward to this book, I’m a huge fan of finishing a series. And it doesn’t disappoint, Rachel kept the plot gritty and intriguing there were a couple of parts of the novel that totally shocked me, I’d not seen it coming. About 1/3 of the way through the book is ‘worked out’ what was going to happen, I wasn’t right.
I have no criticism of the book or the theme but I found the concepts of this series scarier than some psychological thrillers I’ve read recently. RAchel has mastered the art of the political thriller and making the reader consider the reality we think we can see.

[Dawn Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading the final book of this trilogy and it did not disappoint. Another fast paced, page-turning book. I found myself rooting for several characters as they struggle to survive this George Orwell type world where 'big brother' really is watching. This has been a great series and very well written and researched. I would recommend it but you do need to start with book 1 to really appreciate it. Well done to the author. My only complaint is I had to stay up late to finish it, it was so gripping!

[Lyn Ybarzabal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

I read the first book of the trilogy as a free eBook and was immediately hooked. I very rarely pay full price for books, but I immediately purchased the remaining two books.
I was thoroughly immersed in these books, never knowing what twists and turns were going to eventuate. A must read for lovers of thrillers.

[R.D. Kardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I searched for some form of sanity among the leaders of Great Britain as I turned page after page of this final installment in the Division Bell Trilogy. Rachel McLean took her readers on a truly desperate journey in a time of social reality that has hit very close to home for some of us. Well written, thoughtful and very satisfying, I highly recommend this series.

[Georgina Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic end to this trilogy. Loved catching up with Jennifer and her family and also Rita in this last instalment.
The whole book keeps you guessing as to whether people will be caught and arrested for just daring to be different and not going along with the government. Fantastic trilogy which I really enjoyed.

[celene irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent

I found this series of books absolutely excellent. It was hard to get into the first book but it ended with a boom and I had to read the second which led to the third and it was just brilliant. I would recommend this book to anyone and well done to be author for a great read

[Sylvie Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could it happen?

I found this series very compelling. Could it happen? It did in communist Russia where those who openly opposed the system were incarcerated in State psychiatric facilities because their dissident behaviour was classed as insane. A real modern political fable.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the “Division Bell” trilogy in a relatively short period and I enjoyed it enormously. The pace never lets up and most of the leading characters are fairly convincing. There are a few times when suspension of disbelief are required. I will follow the author with interest.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divided we stand by Rachel McLean.
Wow what a finish to a great trilogy. Absolutely fantastic. Loved Jennifer character. She didn't give up. 5*.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Jeremy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knew she could write a good mystery, but…..

She really knows how to write political suspense. Finished all 3 books in 2 days.

Way to go Rachel!

What’s next.